Rep. Setzer files bill in North Carolina House to amend underground utility safety law

A new bill filed by State Rep. Setzer seeks to clarify responsibilities and procedures for facility operators and excavators under the Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 247 on Feb. 27 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Underground Safety Revisions.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill proposes amendments to the Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act, focusing on clarifying responsibilities and procedures for facility operators and excavators. Key changes include revised timelines for operators to provide location information within three to 10 working days, depending on the circumstance, and the extension of notice validity from 15 to 28 calendar days for excavators. The bill also outlines specific exemptions to notification requirements, such as certain activities conducted by residential property owners and governmental entities. It establishes the Underground Damage Prevention Review Board, outlining its composition, functions, and authority to impose penalties up to $2,500 for violations. The bill allows for appeals and arbitration proceedings and mandates annual compliance reporting to the Board. This act is effective Sept. 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Setzer proposed the most bills (10) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Setzer graduated from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1987 with a BA.

Setzer, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 1999 to represent the state’s 89th House district, replacing previous state representative Robert Brawley.